Contents

Biology

Physiology

Ho-Oh, like its lesser counterpart Moltres, is based on the legendary Phoenix, a creature of Greek Mythology also known as the Firebird. Many cultures worldwide hold the Phoenix as a symbol of Longevity, Resurrection, and Reincarnation. Thus, Ho-Oh epitomizes this belief, as it was reborn rising from its own ashes. It also used its vast powers to give new life to the first Raikou, Entei, and Suicune, after they perished in Ecruteak City's Burned Tower. It is believed that through its unique abilities, this mighty Pokémon created the Legendary Beasts of the Johto Region out of a Jolteon, a Flareon, and Vaporeon respectively. However, it is unknown whether this is actually true.
It is said that wherever a Ho-Oh flies, a beautiful rainbow appears behind it.

Special Abilities

Ho-oh, a Legendary Bird Pokémon based on the Phoenix Bird, is a vastly powerful Fire-and-Flying type Pokémon. It can revive any Pokémon, is incredibly fast, and has the devastating Fire-Type attack, "Sacred Fire".

It also holds an item called Sacred Ash, which is like a Pokémon Center, only portable. This Held Item is unique in that it revives all fainted Pokémon in your party to full HP/full PP. If caught at Navel Rock in Emerald/FireRed/LeafGreen the Sacred Ash is buried under the spot that Ho-Oh occupies. After Ho-Oh is caught or defeated, press the A button and you will obtain the Hold Item Sacred Ash.

Pokédex entries

A legend says that its body glows in seven colors. A rainbow is said to form behind it when it flies.

Crystal

It will reveal itself before a pure-hearted trainer by shining its bright rainbow-colored wings.

Ruby

Ho-Oh's feathers glow in seven colors depending on the angle at which they are struck by light. These feathers are said to bring happiness to the bearers. This Pokémon is said to live at the foot of a rainbow.

Sapphire

Ho-Oh's feathers glow in seven colors depending on the angle at which they are struck by light. These feathers are said to bring happiness to the bearers. This Pokémon is said to live at the foot of a rainbow.

Emerald

Its feathers--which glow in seven colors depending on the angle at which they are struck by light--are thought to bring joy. It is said to live at the foot of a rainbow.

FireRed

A legend says that its body glows in seven colors. A rainbow is said to form behind it when it flies.

A legend says that its body glows in seven colors. A rainbow is said to form behind it when it flies.

Black

It possesses seven-colored wings. It is said that those who see Ho-Oh are promised an eternal happiness.

White

It possesses seven-colored wings. It is said that those who see Ho-Oh are promised an eternal happiness.

Black 2

It possesses seven-colored wings. It is said that those who see Ho-Oh are promised an eternal happiness.

White 2

It possesses seven-colored wings. It is said that those who see Ho-Oh are promised an eternal happiness.

X

A legend says that its body glows in seven colors. A rainbow is said to form behind it when it flies.

Y

It will reveal itself before a pure-hearted Trainer by shining its bright, rainbow-colored wings.

Omega Ruby

Ho-Oh's feathers glow in seven colors depending on the angle at which they are struck by light. These feathers are said to bring happiness to the bearers. This Pokémon is said to live at the foot of a rainbow.

Alpha Sapphire

Ho-Oh's feathers glow in seven colors depending on the angle at which they are struck by light. These feathers are said to bring happiness to the bearers. This Pokémon is said to live at the foot of a rainbow.

Trivia

When Ash Ketchum started his adventures he spotted a Ho-Oh, making it the first Generation II Pokémon to appear. Although a Generation II Pokémon, it appeared in the very first episode of the anime. That episode was in the first season, which involved only Generation I Pokémon. Despite making its debut in the first episode, it had not yet been confirmed as a Pokémon. However, Ho-Oh served as a foreshadowing clue for the future of the Pokémon franchise today.

It also shows that Ash was pure of heart from the very start, as Ho-Oh appears only to those pure of heart, as well as signifying a new beginning.

Its name is a palindrome, meaning its name is spelled the same backwards as it is forwards. Only three other Pokémon share this same trait, namely Girafarig, Eevee, and Alomomola.

Even though it is said to have seven different colored feathers, it only appears with three colors on its wings (green, white, and red) and one color on its tail (yellow). All together, there are only four different colors. However, its R/S and Pokémon Emerald description states that the colors of its feathers change when struck by light at different angles.

Ho-Oh has not been a featured Pokémon in any movie yet; however, it has made cameo appearances in many.

The legend of Ho-Oh was inspired by an ancient Osakan folktale in which a phoenix rose from the ashes of a massive pagoda after it was destroyed by severe weather or war.

Ho-Oh resembles the phoenix of ancient Chinese mythology known as the Fenghuang.

It is possible that Lugia and Ho-Oh are references from the book of Genesis. With Lugia being the 40-day storm (being able to create a 40-day storm with the flap of its wings) and Ho-Oh being the rainbow after the storm.